Previous CCL cruiser considering HAL, have some questions (ok, lots!)

[cold in MN]

Hello,

 

I have been on 8 cruises (all with CCL), we were just on a cruise over spring break on one of their cruises, and WILL NOT ever do it again. We knew what we were getting into and had a good time, but chalk it up to a learning experience.

 

Anyway, we have been looking at HAL (specifically, Zuiderdam for spring break 2006). This time, we will be bringing our DD (11) and DS (8). Looking at one of the verandah rooms, the ones with balcony (please forgive me if I didn't use the proper name for it, I'm still trying to remember the lingo for HAL ships.)

 

Here are my questions, specifically:

1. Anyone who has cruised CCL before, how do you think it compares to HAL (I know this is open-ended, but just overall impression would be great)

 

2. How is the kids program on the HAL?

 

3. Do they have a separate kids menu in the dining rooms (my DD is adventurous, my DS is not!) If so, what types of things are on it (my son specifically would like to know if there is mac & cheese or plain buttered noodles? and chocolate milk, of course)

 

4. How is the jogging track or treadmills in the fitness facility? (I will be in marathon training during this time, can't take the week off!)

 

5. How is nightlife? Specifically, what kind of entertainment do they have in the lounges, such as bands, dj's, types of music?

 

6. Any general comments, advice, suggestions will be read and appreciated.

 

I'm sure more questions to come later. Thanks in advance to all who reply!

 

Cold in MN (but finally thawing out):)

[jhannah]

Having sailed the Zuiderdam, I believe you will be pleased. It's a fine ship and has a very good kids' program. While I've not sailed on a Carnival ship, I've encountered many in ports of call and can tell you that your HAL experience will be a tad more laid back.

 

You can find music and dancing/listening into the wee hours up in the Crow's Nest. Music throughout the ship will vary from strings to contemporary to jazz.

 

The gym has treadmills, and the ship features a wrap-around teak deck for walking or jogging.

 

I don't recall what's on the menu for kids, but I'm sure someone else will be along shortly to help you out there.

[RuthC]

There is a children's menu, and you don't have to be a child to order from it.

 

I remember mac and cheese and fingers and fries specifically. Can't remember the rest. Chocolate milk is easy. (Trust me on this one.)

[Roz]

I've not been on the Zuiderdam, but I don't think HAL permits jogging on the Lower Promenade deck, which is the wrap around teak deck Jim referred to. Only walking is allowed.

 

I've been on one Carnival cruise ship, Sensation, and thought the dining room food was every bit as good as HAL's (it was not horrific ;) ).

 

Roz

[the2ofus]

The jogging track on HAL ships is on the observation deck. I have seen many people jogging there, especially early in the day. If you were to run on the Lower Promenade it really would bother the folks in the cabins below, plus there are a lot of walkers so it would be an obstacle course for a runner or jogger.

[Scrumpy]

If you're in serious training, you will pretty much have to use the treadmill. And, of course, be prepared that if others are waiting, they will not understand your prolonged use (good opportunity to cross-train). It's just like at a hotel or any other health club, so you probably know this already. DH does marathons, but prefers the treadmill to running around in small circles. On the Maasdam, he didn't have any trouble "hogging" a treadmill because it wasn't used too much. Haven't been on the Zuiderdam, but we'll do that in May. The good news is that, depending on location, you may have some incredible places to run in port. DH loves to run on the beach (ok, he's happy anywhere that isn't paved).

 

Scrumpy

[viennacruiser]

We were on the Zui a few weeks ago and can answer some of your questions

 

Hello,

 

I have been on 8 cruises (all with CCL), we were just on a cruise over spring break on one of their cruises, and WILL NOT ever do it again. We knew what we were getting into and had a good time, but chalk it up to a learning experience.

 

Anyway, we have been looking at HAL (specifically, Zuiderdam for spring break 2006). This time, we will be bringing our DD (11) and DS (8). Looking at one of the verandah rooms, the ones with balcony (please forgive me if I didn't use the proper name for it, I'm still trying to remember the lingo for HAL ships.)

 

Here are my questions, specifically:

1. Anyone who has cruised CCL before, how do you think it compares to HAL (I know this is open-ended, but just overall impression would be great)

We have crusied both and enjoyed both, we are going on CCL in August with our kids, we went without them on HAL. But we saw kids on our spring break sailing

 

2. How is the kids program on the HAL?

can not answer that one,

 

3. Do they have a separate kids menu in the dining rooms (my DD is adventurous, my DS is not!) If so, what types of things are on it (my son specifically would like to know if there is mac & cheese or plain buttered noodles? and chocolate milk, of course)

yes they do

 

4. How is the jogging track or treadmills in the fitness facility? (I will be in marathon training during this time, can't take the week off!)

I did not use this facility but our talbe mates who were traininf for a marathon did and were somewhat disappointed, and they said it was very well used and there was a wait for the machines.

We did see few people running on the lower promanade deck and they did not seem to have any problems with that

 

5. How is nightlife? Specifically, what kind of entertainment do they have in the lounges, such as bands, dj's, types of music?

NIght life was OK, more subdued music everywhere but the Northern Lights lounge, which was very loud

 

6. Any general comments, advice, suggestions will be read and appreciated.

You can read my full review on these threads

 

I'm sure more questions to come later. Thanks in advance to all who reply!

 

Cold in MN (but finally thawing out):)

[Suskies]

We haven't been on CCL, but we've been on several NCL cruises. You're going to find HAL quieter and classier. It's fun, but the antithesis of a party ship. The clientele is a bit older--a mix of ages, especially in the summer, but tending more toward middle-aged rather than really young.

 

We've taken our kids on two HAL cruises and they loved both and can't wait for our next HAL cruise this summer. The first cruise had a couple of hundred kids and a thriving kids program. On the second cruise--same time of year--there were virtually no children--go figure--so the kids' program was more limited, but my kids still had a wonderful time. Any cruise ship has plenty of kid-friendly activities outside the kids' program.

 

The children's menu is pretty limited, but your kids will also find things they like on the regular menu. Every night they can order grilled chicken and a baked potato, for example, and one of the appetizers is always fruit. My son is the world's pickiest eater--another big mac & cheese/buttered noodles fan--and always found something he enjoyed. He says to tell your son that the pizza by the pool is really good. Every night one of the entrees is some kind of pasta, so I'd think it would be no trouble to ask for plain pasta with butter (it might not be noodles, maybe penne or linguine).

 

We also take the kids at least one night to the Lido instead of the main dining room. It's a nice break for them--they don't have to sit through a two-hour meal (no matter how delicious it is), and there are plenty of child-friendly choices.

 

The shows are fine. We've always liked the magicians and comedians the best--some of them are among the best shows we've ever seen, and our kids loved them too. Remember that HAL also shows movies with free popcorn, which is a nice alternative on some evenings.

 

The music tends toward oldies and standards. There's a piano bar where the pianist plays mostly standards, a lounge with a small combo again playing standards, a very quiet lounge with something like strings or a harpist, and the nightclub, which starts out fairly quiet--not much dancing--but kicks into gear around 11 p.m. or so. I'm in my 50s, and while I like all kinds of music, I do wish HAL had a little more recent music in its repertoire.

 

All in all, HAL is a very different experience from CCL. We love it because we're pretty quiet people and like a very relaxed atmosphere. People who want a very lively party atmosphere probably wouldn't like it.

[cruznon]

I've been on the Spirit and Pride. Loved the layout on the Spirit-class ships. I think their gym facilities are better than the Oosterdam (Zuiderdams' sister ship). The jogging track on the Spirit/Pride was great--don't know about jogging track on HAL vista ships. There's more nightlife on Carnival--more people, larger casino, larger disco. Carnival children's facilities are larger. KIDS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!! On the Pride--850 kids one week!

We experienced our first HAL cruise in Feb and loved it. The service was wonderful and the ship was elegant. The ship has a "smaller feel" to it than Carnival's BIG open atriums and public areas. That's a plus for us. We leave for our second HAL cruise in July. The ambiance on the Oosterdam was more refined with greater attention to details.